HP Labs India

HP Labs unveils pen keyboard for Indian languages

Dialyindia.com
March 15, 2006

HP Labs India Wednesday introduced its pen-based keyboard for Indian languages, including Devanagari (Hindi), Kannada and Tamil.

Priced at Rs.2,000, the gesture-based keyboard helps solve the phonetic language entry problem by allowing users to input text and data with a pen.

The innovative technology also allows any Indian script to be recorded and stored directly on the computer.

"The hi-tech keyboard makes it easier for even non-English speaking people and those who can't type to communicate with others effortlessly. It is meant to bridge the digital divide by simplifying the use of IT," HP Labs India director Ajay Gupta said at a preview of the product here.

Designed and developed at HP Labs India, the keyboard is currently available in Hindi and Kannada scripts along with English fonts.

Keyboards in Tamil and other scripts, which are being developed, will be rolled out in the coming months.

"The product is aimed at benefiting over 1.5 billion non-English speaking people in South Asia, including Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka besides other phonetic script users," Gupta said.

The technology will be licensed to a third party for manufacturing and distribution.

In addition to text, the keyboard allows the capturing of signatures, pictures and visuals. It also has the potential to create and store notes and images in any language as bitmaps.

Click here to read the article at the Daily India Website